The Motor City is buzzing now that the 2025-26 NBA season is just over a month away. The Detroit Pistons exceeded last season by making the playoffs for the first time since 2018-19, but that postseason berth is in the past. The Pistons must focus on the upcoming campaign, and surpassing the bar that was set last season can only happen if everyone does their part.
Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff will be counting on several of his players to take the next step, including guard Marcus Sasser. The former 2023 25th overall selection has failed to meet expectations so far, and failing to show some serious improvement could leave his future in Detroit up in the air.
Pistons' Marcus Sasser Must Prove He's Not a Bust by End of 2025
Sasser's rookie season wasn't anything to write home about, nor was his follow-up performance in 2024-25.
The ex-Houston Cougar suited up in 57 games (1 start) for the Pistons last season, and only averaged 6.6 points, 2.3 assists, and .463/.382/.843 shooting splits. Although his efficiency had improved compared to the previous year (.428/.375/.879), his lack of a playmaking upside has left Detroit fans to wonder if he's truly a good fit at point guard.
The Pistons could put Sasser in a shooting role, but that wouldn't exactly benefit him. Detroit already had the likes of Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey when the summer began, before going out to add Caris LeVert and Duncan Robinson. With a potential Malik Beasley return still in the cards, it's hard to imagine Sasser's shot count increasing all that much in Year 3.
The Pistons drafted Sasser with the hope that he could develop into a facilitator, and the clock is ticking for him to meet that potential. He'll only receive minutes as a shooting guard if injuries pop up, which is why it's important to capitalize on the opportunities he sees as a PG. If not, Detroit may want to replace him with a more capable contributor.
The Pistons have until Oct. 31 to decide if they want to pick up Sasser's $5.2 million fourth-year option. He won't be worth that price tag if he doesn't show legitimate improvements, making him a potential trade candidate before February's deadline.
The Motor City wants to believe in Sasser, and now it's up to him to prove that Pistons fans' desire isn't unwarranted.